Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!-Chapter 721 Show Your Claws_1

Wang Ling hurried forward and greeted with proper etiquette, "Wang Ling pays her respects to madam."

Zhulan extended her hand to assist her and said, "I’ve heard your aunt speak of you, and today I finally see you in person, you indeed are a beautiful and elegant lady."

Wang Ling was in a daze. She was supposed to start her journey home today, but her aunt hadn’t let her leave. Now, hearing this, her aunt had mentioned her?

Madam Xue hadn’t discussed the matter of marriage with Wang Ling, she took her niece’s hand, "We talked about you and your sister’s hardships in casual conversation, so I mentioned a few more words."

Wang Ling felt slightly embarrassed, "My sister and I haven’t really done much."

Zhulan continued, "You two have done quite enough, good child, please sit."

Madam Xue led Wang Ling to sit down. She detected satisfaction in Madame Yang’s tone and her smile deepened. Today was just for a meeting, and they weren’t going to revolve the conversation around Wang Ling. Madam Xue said, "I haven’t seen Xue Han for some days now, it seems like Xue Han has grown quite a bit taller, hasn’t she?"

Zhulan nodded, "At this age, they grow very quickly. Last year’s clothes don’t fit anymore; she’ll probably overtake me, her mother, in height in another year."

Madam Xue said enviously, "All your children are tall. Our family doesn’t have anyone tall."

Zhulan understood Madam Xue’s concern, all of Madam Xue’s daughters-in-law were tall, and Madam Xue hoped that the next generation would be tall as well!

Madam Xue continued, "Xue Han is fourteen now, next year she’ll be fifteen, have you and Mr. Zhou set a date for her marriage?"

Zhulan said, "I want to keep my little girl at home for a few more days, the date for the marriage hasn’t been set."

Madam Xue showed understanding. The Zhou family had many boys and precious few girls, "Indeed, she should stay a few more days. Once a daughter is married off, she won’t be as free as in her own home, and it’s not easy for her to return to her mother’s home afterward."

Zhulan thought about her eldest daughter, "Indeed."

Two hours later, Zhulan returned home, and Xue Han asked, "Mother, were you satisfied with the person you met?"

Zhulan nodded, "Satisfied. The young lady from the Wang family is educated, understands etiquette, and has a good temperament. Today, seeing her appearance, I found her to be a truly exceptional young lady."

Xue Han’s eyes curved, "Mother, since she is not bad, shouldn’t you go and speak to the Wu family about it?"

"This afternoon, I’ll have Wu Yong and Wu Ting come over."

"Mother, then I will go back to my courtyard to change clothes."

Zhulan thought to herself with a hum, the girl was eager to return to read Rongchuan’s letters. Rongchuan’s letter sure was diligent, right, and the little gifts as well. Rongchuan couldn’t return, but his presence was the most felt!

In the capital, Zhou Changlian had been in the Hanlin Academy for several days and was entering the imperial palace for the first time. He was there to explain the scriptures to the Emperor. Zhou Changlian was very nervous. Speaking of which, several Scholars from the Hanlin Academy had already been to the palace. He wasn’t in a hurry; he would have preferred being summoned later to gain more experience.

Zhou Changlian arrived at the entrance of the government hall and took a deep breath. It was odd, he didn’t know if he was too nervous or not nervous at all, but he felt an unusual calmness inside.

After entering the main hall, Zhou Changlian didn’t dare to look around and paid his respects to the Emperor properly.

The Emperor raised an eyebrow, his voice very steady. The children of Zhou Shuren were all bold, "Rise."

Zhou Changlian, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

The Emperor pointed to the books on the table, "Today, you’re responsible for explaining this book. Take it and have a look first."

Zhou Changlian told himself that he mustn’t make a mistake, cautiously stepped forward, "Yes."

The Crown Prince set down his pen and looked at Zhou Changlian with interest. He was someone who’d caught the Crown Prince’s attention, and he too wanted to see what he was capable of.

Leaning back in his chair, the Emperor asked, "Has the Crown Prince finished reviewing all the memorials?"

Looking at the pile of memorials on the table, the Crown Prince said, "....No, your son will continue."

"They all need to be dealt with today."

The Crown Prince replied, "....Yes."

Zhou Changlian’s careful examination of the memorials halted for a moment. He thought he detected a note of frustration in the Crown Prince’s tone. Surely, he’d misheard, definitely misheard. The Emperor delegating authority should be a cause for the Crown Prince’s happiness!

Zhou Changlian felt reassured after reviewing the documents; his family had a copy of this book at home. Hmm, their copy was transcribed, and on further recollection, it was a gift from the Emperor to his father. "Emperor, should I start from the beginning?" he asked.

The Emperor’s gaze had been on Zhou Changlian’s expression, glancing occasionally at the book in his hands. True, the Zhou family owned a copy. It seemed he may have chosen the wrong book, "Hmm, begin your explanation."

With confidence, Zhou Changlian steadied himself, silently thanking his father, and began his explanation from the start.

It was afternoon at the Hanlin Academy. Mr. Lv said, "Zhou Changlian has been in the palace for nearly two hours now. Why hasn’t he returned?"

Another Scholar remarked, "Yes, it’s the first time someone has stayed in the palace for so long!"

Mr. Lv returned to his seat, frowning. The Emperor already held Lord Zhou in high regard. Zhou Changlian not coming out of the palace for so long must mean he had caught the Emperor’s eye. A few days ago, he too had been summoned to the palace and thought his own stay had been lengthy enough to gain the Emperor’s favor, but now it seemed he had been too confident.

A quiet murmur of discussion rose among those in the room, some able to contain their patience and others, not so much.

As it was, the Emperor was only having the Scholars explain matters without putting them to other uses yet. Everyone was itching for an opportunity, and with someone catching the Emperor’s eye first, the chances for others had significantly diminished.

As they were talking, Zhou Changlian returned, carrying a book. He walked with a spring in his step; he had spent the morning giving explanations and the afternoon assisting with records. The Crown Prince had even complimented his handwriting. Remembering the handwriting, Zhou Changlian recalled how he’d diligently practiced, unwilling to fall behind Chang Zhi and Rongchuan. Eventually, practicing became a habit, and he developed his own unique style.

Zhou Changlian felt grateful to his father. His father was right; opportunity comes to those who are prepared. If it wasn’t for his handwriting catching the Crown Prince’s eye, he wouldn’t have stayed to help with the records.

The room fell quiet until Shen Yang, unable to wait any longer for someone else to speak, took it upon himself to say, "Zhou’s son is different with a father like that to support him."

Zhou Changlian replied with a smile, "Ah, I think so too. Unfortunately, your envy won’t help you. Please put away that jealous expression; I don’t want to have nightmares tonight."

Shen Yang, "...."

Mr. Lv, "..."

What a sharp tongue!

When Zhou Changlian entered the palace, he made waves at the Hanlin Academy. He was well aware he would be envied. Not known for a gentle temper, when Shen Yang spoke up first, he did not hold back. Otherwise, everyone might think he was easy to bully, like someone who only hides behind his father’s back!

In Jinzhou Province, Zhulan relayed to the Wu brothers the family background and circumstances of Wang Ling. After giving the brothers time to digest the information, she turned to the more decisive Wu Ting and said, "Miss Wang comes from a wealthy family. Although her father passed away early, Lord Wang takes good care of her, and her two younger brothers have grown up. I think it’s a suitable match."

Wu Ting, considering the benefits for the Wu family, responded gratefully, "Auntie, you have put a lot of thought into this these past days. The Wang family is indeed a good choice; we will trust your judgment wholly."

Upon hearing his younger brother, Wu Yong quickly concurred, "We will trust all your decisions, Auntie!"

Zhulan then said, "I will write to your elder brother, and once he replies, I will speak with the Wang family about the match. It’s better to settle this marriage sooner rather than later."

Wu Ting had many friends and had heard some rumors. Now, after listening to his aunt, it seemed Uncle Zhou would indeed be traveling to the capital soon. Thinking more deeply about the alliance with the Wang family, he realized it was all for the benefit of him and his brother!